1. The Villa Heist: Rogers & Emery's Masterclass
Can results sometimes deceive? That is the question. Villa's run of victories was extended versus Manchester United, alongside the lingering concerns. Statistically, they were inferior by multiple metrics – a lower shot count (12-15), reduced ball control (43-57), a scarcity of clear opportunities (2-3). Once again, the victory was tightly contested. In keeping with form, expected goals (xG) sided with the opposition: according to data United were narrowly ahead 1.31-1.02. Yet the reality is games are not won by xG. They are won by solid teamwork, tactical brilliance and sparkling skill – and Villa have all three. Morgan Rogers may be their only star, but he is performing like Father Christmas. The Villa manager is crafty, experienced, significantly more advanced of the United boss. The fact Rogers took advantage from Leny Yoro’s naivety, it was likely because the coach had detected that Yoro is not a right-back, and told Rogers to start wide, cut in and cause him problems. Skill and strategy, combining effectively.
2. The Amorim Conundrum: Still Searching for Answers
Back in October after defeating Brighton 4-2 last month, their fans began to believe again. They secured three league games consecutively for the maiden instance under Ruben Amorim. Their position climbed to fourth. And the wins were solid results – over Brighton (one of their many bogey teams), Liverpool (on the road!) and Sunderland (at Old Trafford, versus a newly-promoted side, but still – an untroubled victory). Senne Lammens looked solid, Bryan Mbeumo offered threat and optimism was growing. But then United slipped into a slump. Over the next eight fixtures, a mere pair of successes, six games without a win. In the recent fixture they were the better team without ever seeming like taking three points. Yes, their forward scored a fine effort, but he also failed to convert a golden opportunity. Yes, United were hit by fitness issues (to influential figures), but they conceded soft goals. Since his arrival in England, the manager has yet to solve how to win consistently.
3. Arteta's Men Win Ugly to Return to the Summit
It was an evening fixture on the Saturday before Christmas but a distinct lack of quality in the attacking areas made for a drab affair. For Everton, the issue was expected with creative forces absent, and Jack Grealish failing to inspire an entire team single-handedly. In many respects it is astonishing that Everton occupied a European spot in the table not long ago given they have played the entire season without a decent striker. For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, while he savoured a deserved win and a return to the top of the table, the problem should be of similar concern given their title aspirations in the Premier League. Arteta insisted that positive results will inevitably be more emphatic with graft and determination. But it is fairly soon in the season for a team that can start with elite players, while leaving talented players on the bench, to be needing to win ugly.
4. Pep's Christmas Weight Watch at City
During the holidays Pep Guardiola will monitor the scales to ensure his Manchester City players have not indulged too much. He revealed the team wanted to enjoy a break after their latest win but the request was denied because the performance was insufficient. So they will recuperate, work for those who didn't feature, and post-holiday, then two days to prepare for the next fixture. The manager outlined how the side can improve. “My strength is deciphering what happens in the game, identifying weaknesses – if the players were in optimal spots, we could create more.” Pep also intends to enjoy a rest: “I'm taking a break with the family for celebrations. I'm going to Barcelona – it's a great city, the food is superb.”
5. A Costly Goal: Isak's Injury Mars Liverpool Win
Isak's clinical effort at Tottenham felt, for a brief instant, like an arrival. This was precisely the reason Liverpool paid all that money for him to do, to break tight games with his clever positioning and composure, and the calmness with which he finished from good service boded superbly. So the scene of his substitution immediately, due to a reckless attempt, was a significant blow for the Liverpool manager and disappointing for the spectator who would like to see a top-class forward reach his peak again. There are fears Isak has picked up a serious leg injury and he likely faces a lengthy period on the sidelines. It would be a major blow with the Reds having snuck up on the Champions League places, putting together a six-game unbeaten run highlighted by Isak’s initial goals in their colours. Their campaign trajectory appear inextricably linked to those of their record signing.
6. Penalty Debate Rages After Newcastle Draw
Managers often lament contentious refereeing decisions as a means of deflecting media attention from matters they wish to avoid discussing. The significant tally Newcastle have failed to secure from leading situations this season is a prime example. Their manager certainly did not seem too willing to mention that unfortunate habit following his side’s inability to hold onto a 2-0 lead against Chelsea in a game they ended up drawing. Yet the Magpies' boss was surely right to question a decision made by the match officials not to award his team a penalty following a blatant body check on Anthony Gordon. With the score then 2-1, a penalty could have altered the outcome. Was the decision to offer the defender the leeway informed by past incidents for being skilled at earning fouls and sometimes simulating? The take of a well-known analyst was revealing. “He anticipates the contact,” was the analysis. “He's prepared for the impact and he braces for it. I think he’s ready to go down. But the strength of the challenge there … that’s not shielding the ball.”
7. Statistical Doom for Struggling Wolves
Brentford’s first away win this season spelled joy for their manager. More than just enjoying the victory, Andrews expressed empathy for Wolves, the club he came through at. “A large chunk of my life was here,” he said. Wolves’ situation is truly alarming; data analysts state – perhaps generously – their chances of relegation at 99.17%, leaving nothing to play for beyond honour. A senior professional brutally spelled out|bluntly outlined|frankly
